Benn Robinson out of the World Cup

PARIS - NOVEMBER 26: Benn Robinson during the Australian Wallabies Captain's Run at the Stade de France on November 26, 2010 in Paris. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Benn Robinson (centre) out of the World Cup after injurying his knee

Wallabies prop Benn Robinson has been ruled out of this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.

The 26-year-old, who celebrates his 27th birthday next Tuesday, underwent an arthroscopy in Sydney this morning after stumbling at training yesterday and feeling a “click” in his knee. While the injury at first didn’t appear serious, further examination today has shown that he has torn the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee, while also damaging a meniscus in the joint. An operation in the coming days will be required to repair the damage, with the timeline required for recovery curtailing the rest of his season.

“It’s disappointing news for Benn, disappointing news for the rest of the squad and for Australian Rugby as a whole,” Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says. “No one likes to see injuries like this. The seemingly innocuous circumstances in which it occurred only adds to the frustration, but injuries have always been a part of the game. When the door closes for one player, it opens for another and I’m sure the other front rowers we have will step up to fill the void Benn leaves. As far as Benn goes, we wish him all the best for his recovery and will be providing him with any assistance he needs.”

Robinson had been scheduled to feature in his 43rd Test during Sunday’s Castrol Edge Rugby Test against Samoa at ANZ Stadium in Sydney.

Western Force prop Pekahou Cowan and NSW Waratahs prop Al Baxter have both joined the Qantas Wallabies in training today, with Baxter featuring in both of the day’s sessions while Cowan arrived in from Perth in time to join the afternoon session. Both players were involved in the recent national scrum camps that were held by the Australian Rugby Union.

A decision on which of those players replaces Robinson in the Qantas Wallabies squad, and in Sunday’s match day playing roster, will be made prior to the weekend.

As well as covering for Robinson, the pair’s presence will also assist in team preparations while fellow props Ben Daley (shoulder), James Slipper (ankle) and Salesi Ma’afu (rehabilitating after an arm fracture) are unavailable for selection.